Has someone shared sexually explicit images of you without your consent?

The term 'revenge porn' covers the online posting of sexually explicit visual material, without the consent of the person portrayed. The term typically includes photographs and video clips which have been consensually generated-either jointly or by self (“sexting”), as well as content covertly recorded by a partner or unknown third party.

Things you should know:*

There may be an online complaint button,: if so, use it and make clear in your online complaint that the material is an invasion of your privacy, and data protection rights, and has been uploaded without your consent.

If you know the person who uploaded the material, notify them also to take it down immediately for the same reasons.

Often however, the person may not be identified. Also, even if he or she takes it down, the material may have been posted to other sites. For that reason, you need to contact the platform such as Facebook or Twitter, or whatever website is hosting the material.

Take a screen shot of your complaint, so that you have a record of it, and send a written complaint to the platform or site, and the uploader, keeping a copy of your letters.

Things you could say:

The material was private: you did not give permission for it to be published online. It is an invasion of your privacy rights under the Constitution, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

If the material relates to persons who are under the age of 18 years, the material may be classed as child pornography. Possession or distribution by anyone of child pornography is a criminal offence.

You have a right of access, rectification and erasure in relation to personally sensitive data under the Data Protection Acts 1988-2003, so request the internet site to take it down under Data Protection laws.

If you are being blackmailed, or anyone is seeking money from you, or if you feel harassed, you can go to the Gardai to make a complaint.

If you have experienced this type of abuse and harassment please contact the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900 from 24 hours a day, seven days a week and speak to someone at your local Garda Victims Service Office (click here)

*Please note that this is not legal advice. If you need legal advice, please consult a solicitor.